Daryl's Angel (Book One in the Apocalypse Angel Trilogy)

Chapter 23: A Symbol

Hope's POV

My eyes open slowly, squinting at the early morning sun streaming through the window. I immediately feel the dull ache of the wound in my rib cage, while the next thing I notice is completely unexpected.

Daryl sleeps with his head on the mattress beside me, his mouth hanging open slightly as he snores softly. His hand rests near mine, and I smile weakly, shutting my eyes again. I feel utterly exhausted.

Daryl snorts and wakes up, his eyes finding mine instantly.

"Hi," I say.

"Hey...how you feelin'?" he asks groggily.

"Well, considering there's a hole in my side, good."

He smirks. "I'm glad you're awake. You scared the shit out of me."

I laugh silently, trying to ignore the dull ache in my side. "So, what happened?"

Daryl gives me a rundown, and I listen patiently. He tells me about the guy who shot me, Otis. He died on the run to get the supplies I needed. He also mentions Hershel and all the other people at the farm we're on.

"There's a memorial for Otis outside too."

"Good to know."

"I'll tell Hershel you're awake," he says.

As he starts to walk away, I reach my hand out to him.

"Wait."

He stops, turning to me again. "Yeah?"

I urge him to come closer, which he does. Once he's close, I grab his hand and pull myself up, giving him a small peck on the cheek.

"What was that for?" he asks, touching his face.

"Thanks for being here," I whisper.

He looks down, looking nervous. "Yeah, no problem."

He leaves, and I hear the rumbling of cars coming, even the familiar roar of a motorcycle engine. The man that can only be Hershel walks in, holding a tray of food. He looks kind, and I like him immediately.

"Good morning Hope," he says, smiling.

"Hi...Hershel, right?" I ask.

"That's me." He sets the tray down. "How're you doing?"

"I feel good, considering the circumstances. Thanks for saving me." A thought crosses my mind, and my eyes widen. "Is my group back?"

"Yes."

"What about T-dog? How's the infection?" I ask.

"Just fine. We cleaned him up." Hershel pauses. "It wasn't bad work for an amateur."

"I've had five years of vet training...I picked up a thing or two about medicine." I laugh, ignoring the aching feeling.

"Oh. You're a vet?"

"Vet student, but yes, I guess so."

He nods thoughtfully. "Eat something, and in a few days you can go back out there."

"Can't I go outside for the memorial? Otis helped save my life." I give him a pleading look.

"You are recovering remarkably fast..." He pauses, pondering. "Alright, I'll get someone in to help you. Just don't strain yourself. The stitches are still pretty new."

I nod eagerly, tucking in to my breakfast as he leaves the room. I notice a change of clothes on the chair near the bed, and I pull off my old shirt and pull on the new one; a black t-shirt with an infinity sign on it. As soon as I'm finished, Rick and Daryl enter the room. I smile brightly.